If you’re proactive about your hydration (which all Cedar Springs customers are!) then you’re most likely aware of the many physical and mental benefits that come from drinking water. But have you ever taken an in-depth look at the paths and pit-stops water takes as it goes through your body?

Take A Sip & Feel it Slip

Water enters your body through your mouth and slips down your esophagus into your stomach. How does your body keep water from getting into your trachea and lungs? You have a flap at the back of your tongue, called the epiglottis. This flap opens when you breathe and talk, but closes whenever you swallow—-keeping food and water out of your windpipe.

Just Passing Through

Once in your stomach, water passes through to your small intestine. The rate at which this happens mainly depends on two things. The first is temperature, as cold water is absorbed faster. Secondly, if you’re eating and drinking at the same time—let’s say, having a glass of water with dinner—that water will pass through your system at a slower rate, since the food in your stomach takes up room, and must be digested into liquid and pass through as well.

Super Absorption

Your small intestine’s main job is to absorb nutrients, while your large intestine and colon are where most of your body’s water absorption occurs. When water is absorbed, it is taken into your bloodstream through osmosis. This is a passive diffusion through your cells that does not require energy, as the water molecules want to move to where there is lower molecule concentration, or rather, more space.

The Bloodstream Speedway

Once in your bloodstream, water is then able to travel all over your body. Water is exceptionally important for proper physiological functioning, and is necessary not only for your joints, bones, blood, and muscles, but also all organs: your brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and skin. Yes, your skin is an organ, and the largest one, in fact!

Out With the Old

Once your body uses up the water it needed, it releases it in four ways. One of these ways is through the skin, via sweat. Another is through exhaling, which lets out a small amount of water in our breath. Our stools also help get rid of some water, but the most effective form of release is urination.

In With the New

A large amount of the water you drink passes through your kidneys—the filter of your body. They flush out toxins and waste in the form of urine, preventing you from getting sick. Whenever you’re dehydrated, it means your kidneys are unable to cleanse your body to the best extent. This is why it’s so important to replenish regularly, and keep on top of your water intake.

It’s also important to make sure that the water you’re drinking is actually helping your kidneys (and body!) instead of hindering. How can you ensure this? It’s simple. Drink spring water! It’s free of added chemicals and potential pollutants, helps keep your body cleansed, and tastes great, too.

If you’re looking for a great water source, Cedar Springs spring water is the best choice for healthy hydration. Call 1-800-952-3327 and start your water journey today.